Aerial view of a neighborhood with damaged roofs and downed trees after a severe storm

Storm Damage Tree Removal · Statewide

Storm Damage Tree Removal in Tennessee

Storm Damage Tree Removal in Tennessee: after a storm, the job is to sort trees into three groups: down and needing removal, damaged but savable with pruning, and standing but newly dangerous. Locally, tornadoes and severe storms: Nashville's March 2020 and December 2023 tornadoes destroyed trees across whole neighborhoods.

Tree emergency? Call for assistance

By calling, you agree that your call may be recorded and routed to an independent local tree-service provider, who may call or text you back about your request. Calling is free and does not obligate you to hire anyone. See our Privacy Policy.

Free to call
Independent local providers
You decide

Tree problems in Tennessee that call for storm damage cleanup

1
Tornadoes and severe storms
Nashville's March 2020 and December 2023 tornadoes destroyed trees across whole neighborhoods.
2
Shallow soils over limestone
In Middle Tennessee, trees root shallowly and uproot in saturated ground.
3
Ice storms
Freezing rain splits pears, maples and hackberries and brings limbs onto lines.

What storm damage tree removal covers

After a storm, the job is to sort trees into three groups: down and needing removal, damaged but savable with pruning, and standing but newly dangerous.

How storm damage tree removal works, step by step · part of tree removal

Describe the tree and what it's near, and you'll reach an independent provider serving Tennessee.

Call about a tree emergency

Safety first in Tennessee

Stay well away from any downed wire and anything touching it. Call 911 for injuries or lines down, then the utility.

What you can safely do

Stay inside during the storm and away from windows on the side facing large trees.
Afterward, look for hangers before walking under any tree.
Check whether your city is running a curbside debris program before paying to haul brush.
Keep all receipts. Tree work may count toward insurance or disaster-assistance claims.

Leave these to professionals

Don't run a chainsaw on wood that's bent, pinned or twisted. It can spring violently when cut.
Don't approach any tree near downed lines. Lines can be live even when the power is out.
Don't hire a company that wants full payment before starting.

Trees in Tennessee that most often need storm damage cleanup

Hackberry: Very common; decay-prone and short-lived
Callery (Bradford) pear: Splits at narrow forks; widespread in subdivisions
White and southern red oak: Large, valuable shade trees

Timing in Tennessee

Winter: Dormant-season pruning; ice storm risk
Spring: Peak severe-storm and tornado season
Late fall: Secondary severe-weather season (December 2023)

Tree rules and permits in Tennessee

Tennessee leaves tree rules to local government; in Nashville, Metro approval is needed for right-of-way trees, not for trees in your own yard.
In Metro Nashville, single-family and duplex owners generally don't need a Metro permit to remove a tree on their own land, unless it's in the public right-of-way, a protected or heritage tree, or part of a subdivision or site plan. Right-of-way trees need Urban Forestry approval.

Sources (checked 2026-10-01)

Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.

What affects the price of storm damage cleanup in Tennessee

The usual drivers are size, access, what's under the tree and cleanup; see the full list for storm damage cleanup.

Storm Damage Tree Removal in Tennessee: common questions

Do I need a permit for storm Damage Tree Removal in Tennessee?

Tennessee leaves tree rules to local government; in Nashville, Metro approval is needed for right-of-way trees, not for trees in your own yard. In Metro Nashville, single-family and duplex owners generally don't need a Metro permit to remove a tree on their own land, unless it's in the public right-of-way, a protected or heritage tree, or part of a subdivision or site plan. Right-of-way trees need Urban Forestry approval.

Which trees in Tennessee most often need storm damage cleanup?

Hackberry: very common; decay-prone and short-lived Callery (Bradford) pear: splits at narrow forks; widespread in subdivisions White and southern red oak: large, valuable shade trees

When is the best time for storm damage cleanup in Tennessee?

Winter: Dormant-season pruning; ice storm risk Spring: Peak severe-storm and tornado season

Tornadoes and severe storms: what does it mean for storm damage cleanup in Tennessee?

Nashville's March 2020 and December 2023 tornadoes destroyed trees across whole neighborhoods.

Shallow soils over limestone: what does it mean for storm damage cleanup in Tennessee?

In Middle Tennessee, trees root shallowly and uproot in saturated ground.

Ice storms: what does it mean for storm damage cleanup in Tennessee?

Freezing rain splits pears, maples and hackberries and brings limbs onto lines.

Other tree services in Tennessee

Storm Damage Tree Removal nearby

More about Tennessee: tree removal in Tennessee · all locations

Need storm damage cleanup in Tennessee?

Call to reach an independent tree-service provider that serves Tennessee. Calling is free and you decide whether to hire anyone.

Call for tree service